Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a 46-year-old semi-trailer truck driver for impaired driving on the highway.
On the evening of Friday, October 25th, police were alerted to a possible impaired driver who was driving erratically towards Nanaimo from Parksville.
Officers soon spotted the vehicle, an 18-wheeler that was hauling fuel tanks, travelling on the Island Highway, just south of the Fifth St exit.
See also: Victoria Police officer injured after allegedly impaired driver slams into police cruiser
The driver was pulled over, and according to police, his manner of stepping out of the vehicle showed signs of impairment.
To add to the evidence, there were also several empty beer cans lying beside the driver.
Based on these facts, the driver was arrested for impaired driving and upon testing his breath, he registered at 230 mgs – three times over the legal limit.
As a result, the semi-trailer was impounded, and its driver – the resident of a northern Vancouver Island community – was served with a Promise to Appear for Driving while Impaired, and Driving while over the legal limit.
“Very troubling and shocking, were just some of the comments made by the investigating officers,” said Cst. Gary O’Brien.
“Although the fuel tanks were later found to be empty, given the sheer size of the vehicle, and distance travelled in an impaired state, it was simply a miracle that a tragic accident had not occurred.”
He is expected to appear in Nanaimo Provincial court on December 17th.
